Was looking to change out the pedals, had a couple tries getting it off with no success, then looked at the insert and now im worried the whole crank is done for?
Any ideas on what to do?
by Pluggos
Was looking to change out the pedals, had a couple tries getting it off with no success, then looked at the insert and now im worried the whole crank is done for?
Any ideas on what to do?
by Pluggos
5 Comments
Your Crank may survive but your pedal/axle is done. At this point try to grab the pedal axle from the other side with a vice grip to turn it. Be aware that pedals have right and left hand threads for the different sides! Also some type of anti seize like WD40 + some heat might help loosen this…
Before proceeding I would heat it with a gas torch and let it cool, at least twenty or so times. This will greatly break up any binding there can be between the crank and the pedal. If not properly greased metal parts will corrode in ways that stick the parts together. Heating multiple times will break that apart. It won’t be easy still, but at least easier.
The only way to avoid this from my experience is to grease parts before mounting and remove, regrease and mount again every year or two.
Hmmm time to start getting creative – penetrating lube, freeze spray, impact wrench, or drill in screw extractor might all be options, but I suspect doing more of the same prying with a hex isn’t going to help at this point. I suspect you might have been using the wrong size hex when starting this, or maybe using the balled low torque head or only getting the tip in? Used properly you should have never gotten that amount of rounding to begin with.
Step 1, make sure you are turning it the correct way..
Had the same thing. My LBS filed two notches on the other side of the axle for adjustable wrench, removed the pedal, then chased the threads and replaced the axle.